Music Legend Quincy Jones Quincy Jones was in the UAE this weekend to receive the Abu Dhabi Festival Award. In a ceremony on Friday, the music legend received the trophy from Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development .
Created by the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (Admaf), which is also behind the Abu Dhabi Festival, the annual awards are in honour of personalities who contributed to arts and culture.
"The 2014 Abu Dhabi Festival Award recognises the unique commitment of Quincy Jones – one of the most important people in the history of music,” said the Admaf's founder Hoda Al Khamis-Kanoo.
"Over the course of six decades, he has changed the way we create, listen and appreciate music throughout the world.
His commitment to the development of the Arab music industry and to nurturing arts education across the region will undoubtedly benefit ¬generations.
"By fostering a love for music among the young, we may look forward to a brighter, creative future for all.”
Joining Jones on the honour roll this year is José Antonio Abreu, the founder of El Sistema, the acclaimed youth orchestra programme in his native Venezuela. Also recognised was his fellow countrymen Gustavo Dudamel. The composer and conductor was recognised for his focus on youth and education through his Dudamel Foundation.
Source: The National